Pity Parade opens Sunday 16th August at the Hen & Chickens Theatre, being a one-woman show exploring identity, belonging and strength to connect in an out of reach world. Learn more about what you can expect:
1: What was the initial inspiration behind Pity Parade?
The play was inspired by a few things. Firstly of Magdalena’s experience of moving to the UK from Kraków. Secondly of my experience of grief, especially not allowing myself to grieve at a young age. And lastly, I was on hold at the Doctor’s Surgery for over an hour and every five minutes the automated voice would say “Flu is highly infectious and can kill, book your blah blah blah” and I started to come up with a character who’s partner suddenly died of the flu.
2: The title Pity Parade is intriguing. How does this relate to the play?
The title Pity Parade refers to certain people’s performative nature towards people who are in grief. This specifically relates to a character in the play who has lost their son and is tired of all the condolences.
3: The play discusses who has the “right” to grieve. Why was this a question you wanted to bring to stage?
We have seen a million stories about losing the people close to us. This a story about losing someone you’ve only just met. The grief is still very real – and it’s something I wanted to explore.
4: What is Olga really searching for?
Well you’ll have to come and see for yourself.
5: As a devised piece, how did the writing process evolve between the two of you?
It started off with words on paper. Then we’d put it on its feet and realise what we wrote was rubbish. We repeated that process until eventually it wasn’t rubbish anymore.
6: What has been the most enjoyable part about creating Pity Parade?
For me personally, it was taking the show to Krakow and exploring the city for the first time. But the collaboration between Magdalena and myself has been a very rewarding and eye opening part of my career.
Pity Parade opens Sunday 16th August at the Hen & Chickens Theatre. Many thanks to Patrick Burley-Brown for answering our questions. Book your tickets here!
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